Wednesday 24 December 2014

10 Best Internet Security Tips you Should Know About

The Internet is a wonder world, and we don’t have to say why. But, while the Internet has its own wonder, it has its own share of dangers. So, to ensure that we are always at the wonderful side of the World Wide Web, let’s get started with the 10 best Internet security tips that everyone must follow when they are online.

1. Begin with having the best antivirus on your computer.

- This is like building a fire around you when you are camping in the wild, so no wild animals harm you.

2. Always remember, what goes on the Internet stays there forever.

- You might thing that posting an embarrassing photo of yours on the Internet may be cool and funny. But this very picture might come back and haunt you in the future.

3. Treat online strangers as you would treat strangers in your neighborhood.

- Strangers are strangers, no matter in what form they meet you.

4. Be stingy about sharing personal information online.

- One of the best Internet security tips that has always worked for me is being careful of what I share online. Sharing too much of personal information increases the risk of identity theft and online frauds.

Read Also: Tips you Must Know about Web Security

5. Strive for stronger passwords

- It does not matter even if you have the best antivirus software in your machine, if you do not use strong passwords. A strong password is one that has a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

6. Avoid using cyber cafes and unsecured Wi-Fi

- Cyber cafes and free Wi-Fi hotspots are the worst places where you can log on to any website or carry out an online transaction. These networks can be easily compromised by an attacker to steal your personal and financial information.

7. Know the online site you buy from

- If you are buying something from an online store for the first time, do go through its privacy and security policy. Check whether the site is verified and has a secure connection (a secure site’s URL begins with https:// and has a green padlock icon). Prefer well-known and popular websites that have been in business for a long time.

8. Never trust unknown emails with links or attachments

- Always treat unknown and unexpected emails with caution, especially those that ask you to click links and download attachments. Even if an email seems to have been sent by a known entity such as a friend, family member, or your bank and asks you to click or download anything, do not proceed. Call up the sender and verify the integrity of the email.
 

9. Maintain regular backups of sensitive and important data

- Regular backups can save you from losing your data forever if ever it gets compromised.

10. Encrypt passwords, personal photos, videos, and other sensitive information on your machine

- Data, even if stolen by an attacker, will be of no use if it’s encrypted. Your encrypted data can only be read by you and none. So, use this Internet security tip to your benefit.

And that would be all for now for the 10 best Internet security tips. Stay safe!